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81

NCAA Discussion / Inadvertent Whistle

« Last post by Ted T on October 17, 2026, 08:38:50 PM »

In the Notre Dame at BYU game, just prior to the half ND attempted to spike the ball to stop the clock.  The quarterback mishandled the snap and did not appear to have full control of the ball when he pushed it to the ground.  The ball laid on the ground for at least two seconds before a BYU player jumped on the ball.  Prior to the BYU "recovery" the whistle was blown and the incomplete pass signal was given by multiple officials. It appeared that the recovery was clearly after the whistle had blown.  However, after video review, it was ruled that the ball was in fact fumbled and BYU was given possession.  Shouldn't this have been ruled as an inadvertent whistle?

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NCAA Discussion / Re: It has happened here, too

« Last post by ncwingman on October 17, 2026, 03:13:03 PM »

In case anybody is curious, here is the video. It starts with the punt/fair catch through the FCK.

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NCAA Discussion / Re: It has happened here, too

« Last post by ElvisLives on October 17, 2026, 10:18:45 AM »

If the fair catch occurs as time expires in a half, the team still has option to make the Fair Catch Kick as an untimed down.​

In which case, the R would not signal for the clock to start when it is kicked.

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NCAA Discussion / Re: Question on new SKF rules for 2026 w/ numbering exceptions

« Last post by ElvisLives on October 17, 2026, 10:15:11 AM »

I was going to make a long story out of this, but decided to just give a direct answer: legal SKF with a qualifying 2X2.

There is no minimum number of exceptions required nor maximum number of exceptions allowed. But, to have ANY exceptions, they must have a compliant 2X2, which means all 5 positions filled. If they have a compliant 2X2 in a SKF, then all 5 of those linemen in the 2X2 are ineligible by position, and any of those linemen wearing a number other than 50-79 are ‘exceptions’ to mandatory numbering. (Effectively, they all become the otherwise required 5 linemen numbered 50-79.) Once they are in position in the 2X2, and the snapper is in position, they are “locked in” to their positions in the 2X2. They may not move to any other position(s), either within or outside of the 2X2. A vacant position(s) in the 2X2 may be filled, but, once a 2X2 position is filled and the snapper is in position, that lineman/linemen is/are locked in.

The linemen outside of the 2X2 are governed by other alignment and eligibility rules. Those linemen are NOT locked in to their positions, and may move to other positions on the line or in the backfield. If on the end wearing an eligible number at the snap, they are eligible. If interior, regardless of number, they are ineligible.

Violations of these rules are all LIVE-BALL illegal formation fouls.

That’s the short and long of it.

——————
Gotta add something important I failed to mention. If Team A actually has 5 linemen numbered 50-79, then they are not restricted in formation, changing positions, and making substitutions, beyond any other scrimmage down.

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NCAA Discussion / Question on new SKF rules for 2026 w/ numbering exceptions

« Last post by bctgp on October 17, 2026, 02:17:18 AM »

Interesting play happened in one of my games this past week related to number exceptions used on a PAT.  Initially Team A lines up in a swinging gate formation. Snapper is in position but no lineman near him in the tackle box. While play clock is running they then substitute several players simultaneously while shifting into a SKF. The resulting 2x2 consists of snapper (A49) and a guard and tackle on each side within the tackle box. The guards and tackles have numbers 50-79 and no other lineman is numbered 50-79. So only 4 lineman numbered 50-79.  Legal?

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NCAA Discussion / Re: It has happened here, too

« Last post by bctgp on October 17, 2026, 01:55:44 AM »

If the fair catch occurs as time expires in a half, the team still has option to make the Fair Catch Kick as an untimed down.​ 

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NCAA Discussion / Re: It has happened here, too

« Last post by ElvisLives on October 16, 2026, 02:29:53 PM »

Things to remember for when it happens in your game this week:

• The clock ran to 0:00 after the punt. The crew correctly restored 0:01 to the clock. Make sure the coach is aware of this, as it gives him the option to run a play from scrimmage instead.
• The clock did not run during the fair catch kick. By rule the clock should start when the ball is kicked. The crew correctly took the time off the clock and ended the half.

Yes.
Regarding the clock running during the FCK, the GCO must wait until the R signals for the clock to start. So, if it didn’t run, the R probably failed to signal.
Everybody have a great game, and stay warm (in the low 50s here right now).

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NCAA Discussion / Re: It has happened here, too

« Last post by Morningrise on October 16, 2026, 01:51:46 PM »

Things to remember for when it happens in your game this week:

• The clock ran to 0:00 after the punt. The crew correctly restored 0:01 to the clock. Make sure the coach is aware of this, as it gives him the option to run a play from scrimmage instead.
• The clock did not run during the fair catch kick. By rule the clock should start when the ball is kicked. The crew correctly took the time off the clock and ended the half.

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National Federation Discussion / Re: Personal Fouls: What makes the cut, and why?

« Last post by NVFOA_Ump on October 15, 2026, 10:46:00 AM »

Just use the rules we are given and the instructions in the book.  Real simple.

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National Federation Discussion / Re: Personal Fouls: What makes the cut, and why?

« Last post by lawdog on October 15, 2026, 09:21:37 AM »

Let's not take "easiest" and just refer to the rule book.  15 yarders with signal 38 are the personal fouls and all of them are safety related.  While you could certainly argue that there are several more that could be considered safety related and therefore personal fouls this is the rule book list as identified by NFHS.

There are several things on that list that aren't personal fouls.  If you give Signal 38 before Illegal Participation you will look like an idiot.  The question of what is a personal foul is still best addressed by just thinking about the safety fouls.  Or just ignoring the words personal foul as they really don't add anything to the information.  You can signal personal foul blind side block for instance, but does it matter?  No a blind side block is a safety foul and its 15yds and you really don't add anything by 2 signals instead of one.